Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA), the trade association and global voice of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, today announced that Hesperus Ski Area will join the association effective immediately.

Hesperus, which was recently purchased by James Coleman, becomes the 22nd member of CSCUSA. It is located in the Southwest part of the state, 11 miles west of Durango and has operated since 1962. Hesperus will join Colorado Ski Country USA’s Passport program, which offers 5th graders three days of free skiing and riding at 21 member resorts and 6th graders four days for $105. They will also join the Gems Card program, which can be purchased for $25 and provides two-for-one lift tickets or 30 percent off adult lift tickets at the now 9 Gems Resorts.

“Having Hesperus join our trade association of Colorado ski areas is great for skiing across the state,” said Colorado Ski Country USA President and CEO Melanie Mills. “This will offer skiers and riders who are participating in our existing programs a new option and create exciting opportunities going forward, especially for those who like night skiing.”

Night skiing at Hesperus Ski Area. Photo by Scott DW Smith.

Coleman, a Durango businessman and managing partner of an investment group that also owns four other ski resorts in the region including Purgatory in Durango, purchased Hesperus from Jim Pitcher who operated the ski area for the previous 28 years.

“One of our top priorities is to make skiing more accessible and affordable to families,” said Coleman. “Bringing Hesperus into our family of resorts is a win for everyone, including the community, its employees, the Four Corners Region and Colorado. We want to maintain the unassuming small ski area ambience while enhancing the overall skier experience in the future.”

Hesperus ski area is scheduled to open mid-December, offers 26 trails on 160 acres and is the largest night skiing operation in the southwest. Open 4-9pm Monday through Friday, 9am-9pm Saturdays and 9am-4pm Sundays, Hesperus is a great option for after work skiing, those learning to ski or ride and families looking for affordable skiing.